Tribal masks of West Africa depict ancestors, spirit beings and
invisible powers. In tribal ceremonial events the people express moral
as well as important social and religions values for the community, with
the African tribal masks providing a symbolic and artistic refection of
these values.
The particular associations of African tribal masks
vary widely across the different tribes, but it is universal that the
artists who create masks are held in high esteem, as well as the
individuals who wear the masks during ceremonies. Therefore, only
certain people may wear the masks, predominately, men. These men are
either the chieftains or kings, the elders of the tribe or perhaps those
with high social status.
Mask-making is prevalent among the
Maasai of Kenya, who produce some stunning works of art. The art of
mask-making is passed from father to son. Along with the teachings of
the process of the mask construction is included the teachings of the
symbolic meaning in each component of the mask.
Dances of West
Africa in which masks are worn include most events and ceremonies such
as initiation rites, weddings, births, and deaths. It is believed that
when a person puts on a ritual mask the individual losses a personal
identity and thus becomes the spirit that the mask represents. This
transformation of the individual is supported by additional costuming,
particular dance moves and specific music. What occurs, then, with this
transformation is that the individual becomes a medium allowing for
communication between the members of the community and the spirit
impersonated by the mask wearer.
Each "dominion," whether it be
ancestor, nature, or magic, has a pantheon of spirits, and these spirits
each have their own mask. There may be as many as nearly 100 masks to
represent and honor each being or energy.
The complexity and over
all quality of a Maasai mask, and generally the masks of other West
Africa cultures and tribes as well, is a demonstration of the importance
of the spirit portrayed.
Many masks from Kenya are in the shape
of an animal face or a human face, although often very abstract. One of
the most interesting components of African masks is in their focus on an
abstract appearance rather than a strictly realistic look. This is due
to the belief in African cultures that it is the essence of the subject,
rather than the look of the subject, that is of relevance. As an
example, when depicting flying spirits, the Bwa people show these
spirits in geometrical forms only.
The effect of this abstract
look of African masks is that they appear extremely contemporary with
their minimalist but intensely evocative lines and forms.
Many
components of African masks are tribe-specific, with subtle aspects
identifying which tribe a mask has come from as clearly as a signature.
Animals
are often the subject of masks. The animal mask when worn by the tribal
member is an opportunity to communicate with the particular animal.
During this ritual the dangerous, wild animal is asked to stay away from
the tribe. Animals also represent certain attributes such as patience
or strength. Sometimes various human and animal attributes may be
combined on a mask to illustrate a combination of outstanding virtues.
Another
frequently employed subject for African masks are traits and attributes
of feminine beauty. The wearing of these masks is, again, generally
restricted to men.
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